The operating system is a piece of software that manages all of the hardware components in computers. It allocates the amount of time each application has to run on the CPU. It also allocates disk space and protects data from unauthorized access. It also allows interfacing between the hardware and programs. This allows the software to easily interact with a wide variety of hardware devices like printers, Wi-Fi adapters and hard disk drives.
In addition to the previously mentioned features in addition, an OS allows multiple software processes to run concurrently on a single processor. This is referred to as multitasking. It also permits the user to interact with the computer through a GUI (graphical) or command-line interface. The operating system can be a single application that runs in memory, or a collection programs and libraries on the hard drive that are loaded into memory when required.
Error detection is an additional important aspect of operating systems. The system constantly monitors input and output to identify mistakes and prevent them from causing more issues. It also is responsible for managing networks and the creation of security protocols to guard against unauthorized access.
The OS also stores device drivers in a standard file format that allows for easy identification. It is also able to install and configure drivers when hardware is changed. The OS can also translate high-level programming into machine code using a compiler and a loader. It can even relocate the data stored on a hard drive if it detects the presence of a bad sector.
